Massacre at Wounded Knee

Definition

The Massacre at Wounded Knee was a tragic event that occurred on December 29, 1890, where U.S. Army troops killed hundreds of Lakota Sioux men, women, and children near Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. This incident marked the end of armed conflict between Native Americans and U.S. forces and was a culmination of tensions resulting from the loss of land and resources due to policies like buffalo extermination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Massacre at Wounded Knee is often referred to as the last major conflict in the Indian Wars, symbolizing the end of Native American resistance against U.S. expansion.
2. The events leading up to the massacre included the U.S. government's attempts to disarm the Lakota Sioux, which escalated tensions in the community.
3. On the day of the massacre, an estimated 300 Lakota Sioux were killed, including many women and children, while around 25 soldiers lost their lives.
4. The incident was marked by chaos, including the accidental discharge of a rifle that triggered a violent response from U.S. troops against the Lakota.
5. The Massacre at Wounded Knee had lasting effects on Native American communities and is remembered as a significant example of U.S. government aggression towards indigenous peoples.

Review Questions

• How did the policies leading to buffalo extermination contribute to the circumstances surrounding the Massacre at Wounded Knee?
  • The extermination of buffalo significantly affected Native American tribes, particularly the Lakota Sioux, who relied on buffalo for food, clothing, and cultural practices. As their primary resource was eliminated due to aggressive U.S. policies, Native Americans were pushed into poverty and dependence on government rations. This loss of sustenance and autonomy contributed to rising tensions between Native Americans and U.S. authorities, ultimately culminating in the tragic events at Wounded Knee.
• Discuss the role of the Ghost Dance movement in the context of the events leading up to the Massacre at Wounded Knee.
  • The Ghost Dance movement emerged as a response to the dire conditions faced by Native Americans, advocating for spiritual renewal and restoration of lost lands. Many Lakota Sioux embraced this movement as a way to unite their people and seek a return to their traditional way of life. The U.S. government viewed the Ghost Dance as a threat to order and authority, leading to increased military presence and ultimately contributing to the violent confrontation at Wounded Knee.
• Evaluate the implications of the Massacre at Wounded Knee on contemporary understandings of Native American rights and sovereignty.
  • The Massacre at Wounded Knee has become a symbol of historical injustices faced by Native Americans, leading to increased awareness and advocacy for indigenous rights and sovereignty today. It highlights ongoing struggles for recognition, reparations, and respect for treaties made between Native nations and the U.S. government. This event serves as a reminder of past atrocities while fueling movements aimed at reclaiming land, culture, and self-determination for Native American communities in contemporary society.

Related terms

Buffalo Extermination: The widespread killing of buffalo in the late 19th century, which severely impacted the livelihoods of Native American tribes dependent on this resource.

Ghost Dance:

A spiritual movement among Native Americans that sought to restore their lands and way of life through ritual dance and connection to ancestors.

Indian Wars:

A series of conflicts between Native American tribes and U.S. settlers and military forces, primarily during the 19th century as settlers expanded westward.